Alex

Abrines

“We have a protocol before a guy comes back to play,” said Atkinson. “Usually we’re not just going to throw you out there without seeing you. We have these kind of set standards in the past. He understands that. We’re not at that point yet. Hopefully, he will get there soon.” Irving has missed nearly a week with the right shoulder impingement and assuming he doesn’t practice today, he likely won’t be available for Friday’s game vs. the Kings. He may need another week off, and Spencer Dinwiddie will be the primary beneficiary while he’s out.

Abrines, a former second-round pick by the Thunder, was waived by OKC last February. He appeared in only 31 games for the Thunder in 2018-19, as he was away from the team most of the year due to an undisclosed medical condition.

Abrines agreed to a release from the Thunder back in February due to what the team called “personal issues.” He addressed those issues, although in general terms, on Wednesday. It sounds as if he was dealing with some form of depression. Here’s hoping Abrines got help and is in a better place. There was a report last month that he was in talks to sign a deal with FC Barcelona Lassa of Spain.

Abrines has had a tough time finding meaningful minutes in the NBA, and he was waived by the Thunder back in February, so it appears he’ll head back overseas. This may be the last we hear of Abrines.

DSJ popped up on the injury report on Thursday with the back issue and will miss his first game since being traded to New York. Emmanuel Mudiay is expected to slide into the starting lineup at point guard and will be a popular DFS option. Mudiay has started 32 games for the Knicks this season and is averaging 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 28.1 minutes over those 32 contests. The Knicks have also called up Kadeem Allen, who will see some playing time off the bench.

He has played in two games since Christmas for personal reasons. The Thunder haven’t given much information on why he’s been out, and hopefully he’s OK.

Abrines has appeared in just two games since Christmas. He should be left on waivers in all fantasy formats.

We’re moving him to ‘out indefinitely’ because he’s been out over a month and the Thunder aren’t offering any details.

Abrines has been dealing with a personal issue for a while now, and he hasn’t disclosed exactly what it is. Hopefully, everything is okay, but it sounds like there’s a chance he’ll be inactive on Thursday.

He was listed as active, but isn’t even at the arena. We’re not sure what’s going on, but his absence won’t impact fantasy leagues anyways.